Fixing up a Straight-Six BMW E46 325i Touring - Project Cologne: Part 2

Get ready for another fast-paced action-packed video. It's all about mechanics and wrenching in this one. I set about sprucing up my cheap E46 325i Touring that at first glance didn't look too bad but turned out to be heavily mistreated by its previous owners. Lots of satisfying torque wrench clicks, ratchets, tool droppings... while I grump and sweat my way through this BMW. Price breakdown towards the end of the video.
T-Shirts - teespring.com/stores/m539-res...
You can now support me on Patreon! - / m539restorations
Invaluable resource for all things E46 & M54 - / @50skid
Part 1 - • How much BMW E46 can y...
Liqui Moly 5W40 oil - amzn.to/3iT8s0H
Smoke machine - amzn.to/2E7WwJA
Flare wrench for brake lines - amzn.to/3avLaeB
Fantastic working lamp - amzn.to/3hijHjf
Pick & hook set - amzn.to/318LbCh
Compression tester - amzn.to/3ay3ofm
Vice soft jaw - amzn.to/31570T0
Butyl for door panels, headlights - amzn.to/2PZRbqn
Wheel cleaner - amzn.to/2EcqWKy
Hobby knife - amzn.to/3ay1Geb
Magnetic Retrieval Tool - amzn.to/3iT3AJf
Spring compressor - amzn.to/3eXHN0B
Fabric spray - amzn.to/3jAvHxP
Drill brush attachments - amzn.to/2ZWqxVe
Find Liqui Moly oil and additives for your car - www.liqui-moly.com/en/service...
My 4-post lift by Twin Busch - www.twinbusch.de/product_info...
BMW TIS repair manual - www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/
Instagram: / m539_restorations
Email: [e-mail]
Music by Epidemic Sound (www.epidemicsound.com)

[@surfdude7575]

"It's not a project car if it doesn't have your DNA on it!" LOL. So true.

[@blastfromthepast999]

That would be a great line for a t-shirt! ahaha

[@promethbastard]

The irony of this comment, I bled on my car today while wrenching on it!

[@chevyfan029]

promethbastard I came on my car today

[@promethbastard]

@@chevyfan029 I hope your car consented

[@jesh879]

You're right. Sigh.. *unzips*

[@parsonator529]

51:10 "Sweating enough I'd fit right in a Tavarish video". LOL, that's fantastic.

[@startingtech3900]

he said "perfectly suited for tavarish video" lol but i get ya

[@mobiledevto]

@@startingtech3900 Tavarish is a hack. This guy actually knows what he's doing. ;-)

[@StefanJovanovski]

None bullsh*t, none drama, none acting, none clickbait! Only pure knowledge and help for the DIYers. I'd trust you with any of my cars! Pozdrav iz Slovenije :)

[@MSouth011]

Same here! He knows his BMW's

[@StefanJovanovski]

@@MSouth011 I like that he also shows how some repairs can be frustrating but if you keep your cool you'll get it fixed.

[@matticetfan]

Been to Lublana Body Count Show- nice cosy town

[@MannyDoesWhatEver]

Not just his work is flawless but him recording everything with all the great angles to see what he does is better than any video on youtube. Thank you

[@CmdrStukov]

Search 50sKid

[@MrDunky48]

Or even angles!

[@Bahraini_Carguy]

I found out about your channel from that BMW 7 series Dubai project video and I was like "somebody imported an E38 from Emirate back to Germany?". I'm actually glad that I clicked on that video because I might have found one of the best car channels on KZbin IMO. Thank you for all the content, that's all I have to say for now.

[@M539Restorations]

Welcome and thank you!

[@rawsick]

This guy needs a TV show

[@Mr.Riffian]

Rawsick TV Shows will ruin it with commercial breaks and promotion for parts, tool and much more. Let him be what he is now.

[@MisterPetrolhead]

"Learned it from Ed China" Me: Learned it from M539 Restorations

[@startingtech3900]

i actually didnt learn that trick from anyone i just realized some tape in the socket would help bring it up and it worked haha!

[@Kylirr]

The flow of knowledge...

[@aspi1379]

is insane how i watched a nice german gentleman fixing a bmw for an hour.... and literally felt like a 5 minutes video cause its so relaxing and enjoyable to watch! and also you learn a lot of stuff. *this literally the best content out there*

[@williamegler8771]

He isn't German he is Serbian.

[@valdeck553]

I'm not a car mechanic and I don't own a BMW, but I really enjoy watching a job being done properly, not in a boring way and I've learned something new. A good channel with the good video content.👍

[@soldiers303]

I don't like BMW cars but I love seeing some care for cars in the way he does.

[@Michu2108]

My girlfriend asked me a week ago what I want for my birrhday present, I told her that I want one of your T-shirts. I think she ordered one 👍🏽😁

[@philiplee7604]

Loved the “ MASTERCLASS TUTORIAL “ on the Vanos overhaul... Surgical precision!!! Also, have to say, I couldn’t stop laughing when you said “ Vanos would be a good name for a child “ your absolutely spot on ..great name for a ‘ problem child’ !

[@kivancdamatoglu7555]

He would be retired quickly if he could open a shop like this in USA. One of the most talented guy i have ever seen.

[@OcelotTheGreat]

Shout out for Ed China!!

[@Crylhound]

Me: Another video before bed (already tired af) Also me: *Damn, 55 minutes*

[@STKSOUND]

i had to check, felt like 20 minutes. dayum

[@jardvaningen6001]

Please keep making your videos like this! It's amazing that you actually get stuff done rather than breaking it up into 25 separate videos. Tavarish, Hoovie, Samcrac, etc, eat your heart out!

[@MrMarko302]

One hour of M539!!!, And I never felt bored also video editing is on the next level. Keep it up Greetings from Jordan!

[@firdosh]

An hour seamlessly passed by and brought back all the nostalgic memories of staying up late at night and working on my E46 330ci. The PCV (oil separator) was a real joy to work on lol. Keep up the videos, waiting anxiously for the next one!

[@xcofcd]

Did you ever change all the hoses or only the front one? I changed everything with the PCV and it was really fun. Also the lower intake hose is one of the worst parts...it can be really nerve wrecking to work on...

[@danielsifuentes6132]

Same here. My fondest memory was changing the intake boot on my best friend's 325i at night when it was 23ºF outside.

[@firdosh]

@@xcofcd all the hoses too plus upper and lower intake boots and much more

[@2005StangMan]

8:47 - drops socket.... me: well, at least it hit the ground! then M539: at least it hit the ground! This is why I like this channel!

[@cristian6766]

Holy crap dude, that wasn't sludge anymore. That was coal. I love the channel. Hope to see you get up to 9 milion subscribers and keep on being the same funny smart and down to earth guy you are now! My first video of yours was the 8 series from Spain. Loved it! Best regards, from Bucharest, Cristian

[@husseinhaddadi5446]

Imagine having you in my country , believe me you gonna be (The god of BMW ) and no more Kia/ hyundai as we have you .... What a professional and confident realy enjoying watching you .. peace from IRAQ

[@antongutierrez9885]

Its 3am in my part of the world and it looks like I'm staying up to finish this great video 😂

[@bernhardueland3586]

You are not alone 🤣

[@tommygunn2794]

I did exactly that

[@mars_hikes967]

This is like Goonzquad for adults and people who appreciate a minimal variety in general language use. Extremely well thought through, a joy to watch.

[@botex98]

exactly!

[@arvekhrenkjarlkskar3269]

Dang son! This channel is legit and also OEM...

[@ozzypawsborneprinceofbarkn3249]

Can't watch goonzsquad for that reason. This on the other hand is a joy.

[@stefankoelsch788]

It’s more german style even he is not german

[@mikepaton3614]

But of course he would need to work on a German helicopter, re goonzsquad newest project.

[@candra_abdurrahman]

7:05 “Now, we should remove the dipshit, the dipstick i mean”, that cracks me up

[@anjingkampung]

It is so satisfying to see this car tidied up, especially when that engine gunk comes out. Nice one.

[@Sonkaveli]

55 Minutes of pure quality, your videos are always a joy to watch! Keep up the magnificent work. :)

[@floepiedoepie6949]

the best bmw channel ever

[@alexf.8865]

This channel is addicting, well made and no wasted time rambling like so many others. You did in less than an hour, what I did in 10 years of owning an e46, literally almost everything you did, only thing I didn't tackle was the oil pan gasket, was just too much for not having a lift. Great job on this vid, keep up the great work!

[@davidvanopstall893]

Thank you for this series! I have a 2002 with 135k miles. I've done some of this (CCV + pilot02 mod, cooling system, oil housing gasket, etc.), but I'm learning a ton. These are great cars!

[@AnilAksakal]

Why is this so addicting to watch? I dont even own a car

[@michaldabrowski7875]

Maybe your brain want one :)

[@aulupinar]

Araba alasin var bence. Bu arada, 3 hafta once e46 320iSE aldim. 2003 model. Ugrasip duruyorum ☺️ cok zevkli .

[@Vazzr]

Heck yeah, I was planning to go to bed early but, y'know, priorities 😂

[@startingtech3900]

Go to bed? It’s 1:13 pm on the west coast u from Europe?

[@keltthomas8476]

@@startingtech3900 its 9.34pm here in the uk

[@Vazzr]

@@startingtech3900 yeah I'm french 😁

[@C_R_O_M________]

When a guy is as good as him, no wonder that we get stuck to his content. Adding value is what he does and that attracts us (even in the subconscious level).

[@zidiqbal1542]

I learned more about the vanos system from you then any other mechanic ive spoken tooo... this is one thr best youtube channels i thoroughly enjoy watching thank you for the upload very entertaining and the knowledge is superb 👌👌👌👌

[@rubenramirez8062]

Hey man just wanted to leave a comment to show my appreciation for all your hard work on these videos. As a fellow mechanical perfectionist myself, these videos are my absolute favorite. Keep up the good work and cheers from California !

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@jacob1001bin]

@@M539Restorations To clean the interior of the engine I recommend oil with molybdenum sulphate (or LIQUI MOLY 8342), works even for E34.

[@antaris8111]

Hello from New Zealand! I'm a mechanic and 99 E39 540 owner. Love the videos man, keep up the good work!

[@Davvisth]

Your videos are the perfect combination of fun and good editing but you still let us as a viewer participate when you are wrenching. Top stuff! I love it.

[@randomb.s.2.018]

“Talk about neglected BMW’s” buddy, come to America. You’ll cry.

[@CuoreSportivo]

he actually lived there for a couple of years :)

[@svennomore729]

Don't come. You will get covid 19 for sure

[@sv_cheats1970]

Nah come to the Balkans you will weep in sadness when you see how neglected majority of the cars are.

[@ecuchiptuningnederland6707]

Come to our workshop, as a BMW specialist we have neglected BMW's all the time :)

[@randomb.s.2.018]

Stipe Marić sorry mate, BMW’s only.

[@antn537]

All those who enjoy this channel, you might not know he has a Patreon that you might consider supporting. Another great video, with the usual high production values, so much better than the run of the mill KZbin wrenching videos 👍

[@raylv6962]

I just love this channel! How can someone be this good with cars? This man is the BMW equivalent of the horse whisperer! 🤗

[@PKNaidoo]

How can anyone dislike these videos?? It has a old Top Gear vibe, the best!

[@nezarl8374]

This guy's videos are so perfect I just can't get enough Cheers from Tripoli Libya

[@mohammadfakhreddine121]

Can't describe HOW HAPPY I AM ABOUT THIS VIDEO DROPPING

[@zombikillerful]

Your videos are amazing. No ads, only pure work and lots of useful tips. Would like to see more!

[@0474987]

hi I'm from Brazil. Sorry if my English is bad. I discovered your channel recently and watched all the videos in a few days. I am impressed by your affection for the car and attention to detail. Congratulations.

[@giorgio.]

Told myself: “I’m just gonna watch a few minutes in bed before sleep and watch the rest tomorrow.” 55 minutes later, almost midnight: “Whoa! It went so fast!!” Awesome video, enjoy the car!

[@kanivainio]

As as studying mechanic i'm loving these videos in every possible way😅

[@GK-sr5of]

As educational as the 50's kid and ShopLifeTV but more fun. Buen Trabajo!

[@jemmace2586]

I love that you mention Ed China! He's my favourite wheeler dealer! You are the German Ed China, I love your channel and really enjoy watching your videos. You will reach one million subscribers, I know it. Keep up the good work. You deserve the best of luck, you, your Mrs and the little mutti too. Brilliant channel 👍

[@stevenotto2581]

Dude.....you are a master frickin mechanic. Simply brilliant in everything you do. Bravo.

[@MikeBMW]

One of the most informative, technical, and entertaining channels regarding older BMW repair! Love it! I've watched the e38 restore, and the rest, but, hey, please buy an e34 535i and let me watch the entertainment and techniques! At any rate, really cool vids and I am amazed at the in-depth restore! :)

[@gtoger]

I like that the body tag shows the color literally as "graygreen metallic". Rather than force a dumb name for the color, the Germans just call it what it is.

[@danielsifuentes6132]

Brings back so many good memories of working on my E46 330i and various other E46's. Maybe one day I'll own another BMW again.

[@n4styplays]

I swear this guy had 50k subs since I last looked at the count. Been watching all the videos from the beggining. Theres no other channel like this.

[@Asserti]

Discovered your channel at the start of the covid lockdown. Got inspired and thought "I can do that too". Few months later, you've finished 3 cars and my projects are still sitting there, barely touched. Where do you get the motivation to work in that heat for example. Muchas respectas!

[@soldiers303]

The hotter the better. Why would anyone want to work in the rain or cold?

[@MattyBottles1]

My God the Germans are impressive. So methodical, disciplined, and organized. This page is my new favorite!

[@okanss]

Working like a clock. I love how you are doing all this by urself. It gives an example to the people who are favorite on cars.

[@martinlangbard6900]

It's 11 PM in my country, and I have a job to wake up for at 5 AM... Guess healthy sleep isn't that important after all... This car didn't look very bad in the last video, but Sreten made an hour-long video of him mending stuff in it.

[@lembueck5673]

Exactly what i want. 50 minutes of pure engine refreshing👍

[@digitalrailroader]

That M54 engine is going to run like it just left the factory!

[@OraleEse]

This is the content I like; direct and uninterrupted. Other channel took them 3 episodes to repair a door hinge.

[@neb-co2cs]

I have no E46 but watched the full video. Very informative and satisfying to watch. Much respect for this man!

[@tjericson2414]

this is the best BMW channel....I learn so much, makes working on my E90 a lot easier

[@Does_it_come_in_black]

“I throw plastic” “I yell at a random metal bar” I can relate to this guy lol

[@aramos811]

I like watching the BMW repairs, suggestion and funny comments. The BMW technician is an expert mechanic and he does this for fun. I have a 2001 E38 with 190,000 miles and the video's have saved me lots of dollars. Thank you.

[@dawoodx4617]

Was never a fan of BMW repairs until this guy popped up on my youtube playlist. Great content. love from Pakistan

[@mikaelwiberg2938]

Your attention to detail is mindblowing 🤯 These vids are really good, keep em coming! 👍

[@harishan459]

I genuinely love learning from this guys vids. He’s just so articulate

[@beko1987]

I don't even like BMW but one of your videos came up the other day and I'm hooked! Your workmanship is beautiful! There is me taking half a day to do the cambelt on my car and you overhaul and entire car in 55 minutes!

[@themediocretriathlete]

I swear by all Liqui Moly products...been using them for several years on my European cars and even my Tacoma. And this is honestly one of my fave channels now. He puts in work!

[@hifi239]

Having worked on my E30 and then my E38, echoing others, I want to say thanks for such inspirational, hypnotizing, and professional videos. Excellent production with good lighting, and speedups and jumps at the right times. And your mechanical insight makes it seem so easy, but it really isn't.

[@mxlzzu]

I can watch this wrenching 3 hours straight , it is very entertaining, and super funny, this channel go direct to the top! Actually Vanos its a nice name for a kid 🤣! Felicidades saludos

[@riadabugtila4082]

I don't even like BMWs but this is so entertaining and funny and the knowledge applies to other cars.

[@G10v4nn1]

Brings back a lot of memories... I used to drive a 325ti and also had to rebuild the VANOS unit, replaced the CCV (the trick for the small tube that protrudes the intake manifold is to unmount the VANOS valve on the intake side, push the tube through from the front of the engine onto the fitting on the CCV unit and then rotate it so the upper end meets the fitting on the intake manifold), swapped out almost all components of the cooling system (radiator, water pump, several hoses) and belt drive... A lot of sweating and swearing included! Happy times :) Oh and don't get me started on the 320d touring I owned before the 325ti...

[@davidrikarson1042]

I love these videos and that they are like this one 50 minutes long. You really make it look easy to work on cars but man is it a pain some times. Keep up the good work!

[@naveednazer1239]

Why is this channel so underrated 🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@sr9tc]

I like bmw’s and im not a wrencher at all. Yet, i watch these videos over and over. The narration and discussion is the best part. I feel like im hanging out with a friend while fixing cars rather than “watching an instructional video”. Keep up the excellent work!

[@maximkayarosh2316]

Hello dear sir. My name is Maxim and I fell in love with your program on the KZbin channel. Usually, I am waiting for new episodes especially episodes "Restoration" because so interest me and give so much advice, and information. I want to wish you great success Yours faithfully Maxim Yarosh

[@THEMANTR]

ENJOYED EVERY MINUTE OF THE 54+ MINUTES! Thanks for your vids and can't wait for the next one!

[@ImMylo]

“Time to add brake juice”🤣🤣

[@michaelhogan4826]

You genuinely need your own show on Discovery/Netflix, you have a real have a human quality everyone who's ever worked on a car can relate to! Love how you fight bolts/tools etc. and show what it's really like to work on a stinker! Leaving DNA is so true you don't truly connect with your car until it draws your blood haha

[@AlejandroBosque]

My OCD really kicking in when watching those awful lumps of burned oil all over your poor car! Thank you for restoring this beautiful machine to it's original glory.

[@dejotachamo]

Man, when i saw 54 min video i know it was going to be great, and ohh boy. Great content as always, better every episode, you are above 100k subs so bear in mind this channel is gonna blow. Good content is highly appreciated those days. Another youtubers would have done 10 videos of this just to monetise. But this is a masterpiece. I'm a subaru hard die fan and I'm almost considering buying a used/neglected e46 just for the diy satisfaction. cheers from spain, tu español suena cojonudo!

[@M539Restorations]

Thank you!

[@VeryAngryLesbian]

FINALLY,MAN I LOVE U❤️ HI FROM RUSSLAND

[@Lasertrac]

So grateful you have the love and skill to work on Bimmers . Bimmers are truly a drivers car but somewhere along the way, technology became more important than reliability. If I there had been a mechanic with your same skill and passion for them here in the USA, I would still have mine. I salute you Sir.

[@Rick-hp6fu]

I wish I had this video back when I had my 01 325i. Everything you worked on here, I had to do to that car. The CCV and oil housing gasket were so difficult cause I was following some different tutorials which, while very detailed, didn't have me remove many parts that would have given me better access like you had. Also, looking back, I should have bought an OEM CCV. The one I bought was well reviewed but had some ill fitting connectors and was such a pain to install. Otherwise, I loved that car. Such a little powerhouse. Seeing you start disassembling parts in the engine bay brought back many memories. I still have some new parts that I never got to change. Maybe someday I can get a hold of another one that is rust free and in good mechanical shape and restore it. Great job as always!

[@hassanshawesh5192]

I hope u remember the o.gies when u get big cuz I can see u will be big one day

[@miloheh]

Holy shit its an hour and I'm so ready for the whole thing DDD:

[@tw1st3d35]

Almost an hour long video went by like it was 10 minutes. I love this channel.

[@richardbrinksma6168]

Greet video! Despite being a Volvo man, I have to say that I can certainly appreciate how you are tinkering with these BMWs with a lot of expertise. Keep up the good work

[@ramgokal4373]

My favourite channel. Keep going and don’t listen to the dislikes, they’re just jealous or from Stuttgart 😂

[@sjllee2588]

Amazing. How do you know all this? Admired of your work. True genius.

[@rfreitas3298]

The best BMW's videos ever. Most youtubers are findings problems are tossing away their cars....

[@christopherwatton1257]

I have never owned a BMW (except for Mini's..), but your videos seriously make me think about getting one!

[@PeppersOnChili]

The 10 people who disliked this video are BMW mechanics 😅

[@nizzeeeee2761]

why would they dislike this video, job was done right. i think those dislikes came from vag guys who have less space than problems at engine bay

[@gonwan1]

Others would have split this into more episodes than The Simpsons. So you have my respect. Enough with the commenting let me get back to 54mins of joy

[@shahrukhmuhammad6664]

I have observed in your previous videos and current that you are not a fan of pressure washing the engine bay! Your work and BMW fixing capabilities is awesome and I appreciate all your hard work for providing an amazing content!

[@DrClubmanCooper]

Definitely previous mechanic pooped in the oil pan ... Another masterpiece video by the one and only Sreten.

[@Sakrich]

17:01 "Look how much space we have now". -> For me that looks like normal Toyota working space without any removal ;)

[@LetsPlayDoni]

I didnt know toyota did straight six engines :---)

[@TheFelix97]

@@LetsPlayDoni now you know en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Toyota_engines#Straight-6

[@Oo-IIII-oO]

@@LetsPlayDoni They did. Check out the new Supra! "wink"

[@CorkMan776]

Toni K never heard of the 2JZ then 🤔

[@tomapple944]

Finally :)

[@cooldriveone]

This is the only guy i will buy used cars from. Amazing work!

[@luciandobrota1507]

I simply have to buy one of these cars now. Also, I am in love with the "this looks ok but i'le replace it anyway". Seems I am not the only crazy person. I have just stumbled across this channel for 3 days and it is so much my favorite KZbin content ever!

[@Tuoppi39]

This was an hour long video, well for sure not a LONG one, it felt like a fast minute. Damn, maybe 'cause I have 5 series with the same engine and interested about fixing it my self. thanks for quality vids, keep em up!